The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A rejuvenated Deandre Ayton looks ahead to the NBA restart at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida as an opportunity to make history.

The second year Phoenix Suns centre met with a myriad of media outlets via Zoom and addressed the issues ahead to a return to the court including his personal goals, team goals and glaring health issues amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I trust the league. It is dangerous. It is a thing. I think if we just follow the rules correctly, we will be good,” Ayton said.

The league restart in Orlando will feature the 16 teams currently in playoff position and six teams within six games of eighth place in each conference. Each team will play eight “seeding games” followed by the traditional playoff format.

In the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, The Suns are No.13 in the conference at 26-39, six games behind the No.8 Memphis Grizzlies (32-33). If the No.9 seed finishes more than four games behind the No.8 seed, No. 8 will make the playoffs. If they are fewer than games behind the teams will complete in a play-in tournament.

Despite pundits showing little favour of the Suns’ chances of getting into the playoffs, Ayton said his organisation remains singularly focused.

“It’s a little window to make the playoffs and make some history,” he said. “That’s all that’s on our mind. We’re young and hungry, and we’re ready to play.”

On July 31, the Suns will face the Washington Wizards. They will go on to face the Mavericks (August 2), Los Angeles Clippers (August 4), Indiana Pacers (August 6), Miami Heat (August 8), Oklahoma City Thunder (August 10), Philadelphia 76ers (August 11) and the Mavericks for a second time (August 13).

The Suns leave for Orlando tomorrow to begin training camp, which includes a trio of scrimmages.

In his second NBA season, Ayton is averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 54 per cent from the field in just 30 games. According to Basketball Reference, his player efficiency is ranked at No.35 in the league at 20.5.

Ayton has had several challenges this season, most notably when he missed time with a 25-game suspension due to violating the NBA’s substance abuse policy.

He also missed seven games this season due to an injured ankle, including a withdrawal from the 2020 NBA Rising Stars game at NBA All-Star Weekend.

“I could have been stopped a lot, and I didn’t stop. I stayed on the positive path, and I have the Suns community and the Suns organisation that kept me taking the right steps to where I am today,” Ayton said.

“It was a humbling experience, and it gave me some humility in a way. That’s why I think I enjoyed my family and them being there for me. I’m just ready to work now, ready to show them that their comforting (me) and support didn’t (get taken) for granted. It really helped me. It helped me get up every day and be consistent.”

The former No.1 overall pick has been much maligned in the media and said he looks to change his public perception with some changes on the court to his defensive effort and a three pointer that he says he now shoots “like a [mid range jumper].

“I’ve been in the dirt in the media. Me, I think I’m on my way on closing the media’s mouth shut completely in a way for them to rock with me. Not that I want them to rock with me but that’s just the right thing to do,” Ayton said.

“I tried to block every shot this season,” Ayton said. “Even on ball switches, I was trying my best to press up no matter what. Every opportunity that I had to really show my defence (I took), because I know everybody’s watching me on defence no matter what….I just tried to prove everybody wrong coming back. It was just a big chip.”

During his downtime since the league suspended play on March 11, Ayton said his time away from basketball allowed him to focus on his personal development. “I felt like I was back in high school. I didn’t really have a hard time. I definitely took advantage of taking that break, taking that load off, and I think that’s why I have so much energy,” he said. “I try to just focus on controlling what I can control..I try to just live the best way I can live.”

Ayton also joined several philanthropic efforts, including an initiative to feed employees of the Talking Stick Resort Arena while it remained inactive due to the COVID-19 fallout.